Athletics News

The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved approximately $53 million in construction projects which will upgrade intercollegiate athletics facilities on the Columbia campus. The action was taken at the Feb. 28 meeting of the Board of Trustees, which was held on the USC-Aiken campus.

"These projects will allow us to compete at the highest level in intercollegiate athletics," said Carolina Director of Athletics Ray Tanner. "We are appreciative of the vote by the Board of Trustees to turn these plans into action."
Among the projects approved by the Board of Trustees was Phase II of the Football Indoor Practice Facility, which will be constructed on the west end of the Farmer's Market site, and the addition of new practice fields adjacent to the practice facility.

The indoor facility will have a regulation 100-yard turf football field and include restrooms, training rooms and film towers.

The Board of Trustees passed improvement projects to Williams-Brice Stadium, including renovations to the plaza surrounding the stadium.

The plaza will provide an aesthetic look to the entrance of Williams-Brice Stadium, including beautiful greenery, brick entrance ways and will create an institutional landmark for visitors, fans, students and alumni.

Facility projects were also approved for a building located next to the Eugene E. Stone III Soccer Stadium, which will house locker rooms, weight room and a video room.

Upgrades are also scheduled for the Athletics Village, including the Weems Baskin Track, Field House and Tennis Complex.

As part of the facility upgrade project, the Athletics Department has announced an increase in football season ticket prices of $45. With the football season ticket price increase, the proposed Gamecock Club dues increase, set to begin in 2014, will be rescinded.

"We have a lot of momentum going our way in Gamecock Athletics," said Tanner. "We have to keep that energy going and these additional projects, which are being funded in part by all Williams-Brice ticket holders, will give us the ability to compete at the highest levels of the Southeastern Conference."

The last increase in season ticket prices was in 2008. In addition to the planned facility improvements, in the last year, Gamecock fans saw additional enhancements on football gameday with the new videoboard and the Farmer's Market addition.